Even with the increased fishing pressure that holidays bring the fishing has been exceptional. Anglers fishing offshore for the bread and butter species are filling the pan with sand flathead in 30-35 mtrs of water being a good starting point. Some crews are getting their bags in a two hour morning session with the average flattie around the 40cm mark. If you fish a little deeper in 50-60 mtrs some solid tiger flathead can be had with quite a few gummy sharks being nabbed also. On the reefs the snapper have been a little tough but they are there, ld be concentrating on the edges of the hard stuff where the gravel meets the reef, either anchoring up or drifting will work depending on conditions. Fresh squid or pilchards are the bait of choice with sportfishers using micro jigs catching a few to. Further offshore the marlin action is hotting up with several solid blacks and stripes being tagged, the majority on skirted pushers though l suspect the next few weeks will see fish coming from bait balls. The 70 fathom line eastwards is the go with a few smaller jellybeam yellowfin tuna and mahi mahi on the cards.

In the estuaries its all system go with Merimbula Lake a standout. Below the main bridge the channels are loaded weith solid trevally, with bream, flathead and whiting all succumbing to fresh baits. Anglers casting soft plastics on lightly weighted heads are catching plenty to. The top lake is firing on all cylinders with big flathead, tailor, snapper and bream all chewing. Fresh prawns have been excellent for bait with soft vibes and mid sized plastics also working. The 3-4 mtr mark along the ribbon weed edges is the place to fish.

The beaches have been quiet for salmon but excellent for whiting. Merimbula main is the go with fresh beach worms or pipi the gun bait. You still might get the odd salmon and tailor if we get some swell and white water. There has been a few smaller whaler sharks caught here also by anglers fishing slab baits after dark. The flooding tide is best with a single paternoster ri the go.

The ocean rocks have seen some nice bonito caught over recent days. Its great to see these speedsters back on deck after a few years of near non existence, anglers casting mid range slices and poppers are getting the desired results. When the sun comes up try casting lightly weighted ganged pilchards in the same areas. The fish will be there but just deeper so having that presentation that little bit lower in the water column should see the rod bend the right way.